A SOUTHPORT Royal Marine who embarked on a daring rescue mission in Afghanistan – by strapping himself to the side of an attack helicopter – has been denied a bravery medal.

Chris Fraser-Perry, 19, from Birkdale, was one of four soldiers who risked their lives to recover the body of colleague Lance Corporal Matthew Ford.

They flew into fierce gunfight in southern Afghanistan clinging to the stabiliser ‘wings’ of two Apache helicopters in what was described by senior army officials as an “heroic leap in the dark”.

The hero’s father Geoff Perry, 39, said he was disappointed his son and two comrades would not receive medals for their part in the action.

Other airmen and soldiers on the same mission have been recognised with the pilots receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, their co-pilots the Military Cross and an army officer also strapped to the helicopter, Captain Dave Rigg, a Military Cross.

The three soldiers – Warrant Officer Colin Hearn, Royal Marine Gary Robinson and Royal Marine Chris Fraser-Perry – were not awarded medals.

Geoff Perry said it was disappointing some of the team were rewarded when others were overlooked.

He said: “Chris was awarded a Joint Commanders Commendation for his efforts which is a massive pat on the back. But as parents we are disappointed that not everyone who took part in such a dangerous mission received the same treatment. However the reward for Chris was that he was able to bring back Lance Corporal Mathew Ford.”

Former Birkdale High School pupil Chris joined the Royal Marines in March, 2005, and passed out the following December.

Dramatic photographs show the four soldiers strapped to the small side wings of two Apaches, which have no room for passengers. A third helicopter provided covering fire.

The four men can be seen clinging to the sides of the gunships as they travel around 100ft above the desert landscape.

Lieutenant-Colonel Rory Bruce, at the time of the incident, described the operation in January as “an extraordinary tale of heroism and bravery”.